Dallas Stars veteran Joe Pavelski expected to announce retirement

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Matt Garland
June 4, 2024 (12:13)

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With the Dallas Stars losing to the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 6, ending their playoff run, many hockey pundits are wondering if this is the last time we will see veteran Joe Pavelski play an NHL game.

Pavelski had another solid 2023-24 season for the Stars, his fifth with the franchise. In 82 games, he scored 27 goals and 67 points. The 39 year old, began to show his age during the playoffs, with the speed of the game looking like it was too much for Pavelski at times. During the Stars 19 game playoff run, Pavelski only produced 1 goal and 4 points.

The Wisconsin native is a pending UFA this summer. If this is the last time we see Pavelski suit up in the NHL, he sure left a legacy with everyone who had the chance to go to battle with him.

Dallas head coach Pete DeBoer called it a privilege to coach Pavelski during his post game presser. This was DeBoer's second time coaching Joe, who had him in San Jose. DeBoer credited Joe for helping him communicate with players and help sell the team's vision on the right way to play to have success.

«I don't know if it'll be Joe's last game or not, but absolute privilege of my coaching career to coach a guy like that,»

«Our young players are all better for having been around a guy like that.»

Pavelski joined the Stars in 2019 and immediately made an impact, helping Dallas advance to the Stanley Cup Final during the 2020 COVID-19 bubble playoffs.

Tyler Seguin got choked up, speaking about the impact Pavelski had on him.

«Day one since he's been in here, he's meant everything to our group,» Stars forward Tyler Seguin told reporters after the Game 6 loss Sunday. «On the ice, off the ice Just an amazing person to have in here.»

Pavelski even opened his doors, allowing Wyatt Johnston to live him and his family the past two seasons. He did the same with rookie Logan Stankoven at times this season.

Johnston expressed how thankful he was to Joe.

«A lot,» Johnston told reporters about what Pavelski means to him. «I know I can't thank him and his family enough for what they've done for me.»

If this is the end for Pavelski, the NHL is truly losing a good one. He had a great career, having an impact on the lives of fans, coaches and teammates.

Pavelski has confirmed his retirement.

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Do you think Joe Pavelski will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame one day?
Yes, has the points to back it up	79	59.4 %
No, didn't achieve the awards to get in	54	40.6 %
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